My best friend Natalie (Living Yogically) inspired me this week. She said that if she could be anyone for a day, she would be a spicy Latina, and I agreed that I could take some serious pointers from that culture too – the wine, the siestas, the dance moves…bring it! So how do I get my fill you ask? I go to Spain with Nat! We leave Thursday so I will try my best to post, but you have to admit, a European adventure is a pretty good excuse to miss my first post.

No, this doesn’t mean this weeks post is about Ricki Martin or Gypsy Kings.

We are being joined in Spain by some good friends of ours – Brent and Holly – so I had them in mind when making my “Spanish Adventure” playlists. For Holly, I knew I had to make a playlist with some stellar dance tunes. Not techno beats, but classic jams that we can shake our booties too – that one was easy. But for Brent, he’s a little more picky. I was searching my library for jams to satisfy my musically opinionated friend when I got an email about a leak that I knew would make him happy.

First, I’ll admit that my cousin Dan has been telling me about Beirut for ages now and I just haven’t given them the time they deserve – but I knew Brent was a fan. I got an email about the single “East Harlem” off of their newest release The Rip Tide and had just the inspiration I needed for Brent’s playlist.

Beirut – East Harlem
Beirut – East Harlem

Beirut started as the solo project of Zach Condon, but later expanded into a full band. They have a refreshing sound that fuses Eastern European folk with pop melodies that will have all of your friends saying “who is this?, it’s awesome”. They have put out 4 previous studio albums that I am currently sinking my teeth into and I can’t wait to hear their newest release.

Thanks to Dan for the tip and Brent for the kick in the ass I needed to hop on the Beirut train. So click here to grab their albums and let them be the soundtrack to your next summer adventure – whether it be to Europe, a cottage or just your backyard.

This one’s for you Bruce!

Beirut – Nantes
Beirut – Nantes

Happy July!

* If you are a member or manager of the above band and you would like your track removed, please contact us and we will swiftly oblige. Fans new or old please support these bands by using your coffee money to buy their records.